December 4th, 2012 10:10 PM

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corp.’s compact crossover SUV, the CX-5 has been named the 2012-2013 “Car of the Year Japan.” The award was announced by the Japan “Car of the Year” committee last Nov. 29.

The CX-5 was the first model to adopt the full suite of Mazda’s SKYACTIV*1 technologies including the engine, transmission, body and chassis. It offers a predictable and refined driving experience together with outstanding environmental and safety performance. It is also the first model to fully embody Mazda’s new design theme: KODO-Soul of Motion. With finely honed vitality and dynamism, its styling is reminiscent of a cheetah about to pounce on its prey.

In approximately nine months since sales of the CX-5 started in February, Mazda has received 37,000 orders—equivalent to more than three years of sales at the anticipated volume of 1,000 units per month—with sales continuing to go strong.

All passenger vehicles with an expected annual sales volume of over 500 units, announced or launched in Japan between Nov. 1, 2011 and Oct. 31 this year are eligible for this year’s Japan Car of the Year award. The last Mazda to be named the Car of the Year Japan was the MX-5 (known as Roadster in Japan) in 2005. The CX-5 is the fourth Mazda to win the award.

Mazda executive officer Kiyoshi Fujiwara commented: “We are thrilled to have the CX-5 receive such a coveted award and appreciate the warm support and encouragement of our fans. Spurred on by this honor, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the task of crafting cars that only Mazda can, in order to continue winning the support of our fans and customers into the future.”